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Is something up?

Yeah, we're making a break for it.

Can we come too, can we, can we?

What's wrong with what we've got?

Look, I know a place we can go.

Nay, this is too good to let go of.

Besides, I've got these kids to take care of.

Yeah, I don't think I can make it...

Flight Fantasies and the Nervous System

By: Dr. Suzanne LaCombe, December 1, 2007. 

As children we can have flight fantasies. You might have known a child who said, "I'm going to run away from home". Children use this strategy--nonconsciously--as a way to manage their level of arousal. Moving into "flight" is a natural reaction of the nervous system as it attempts to regulate itself.

You see, when our level of activation (or arousal) is high we hook into the primitive fight/flight wiring of the lower brain. "Flight" is the first line of defense (even in imagination). As the child imagines the fantasy, the nervous system begins to calm down because a "solution" has been found.

Hopefully, if the child has sufficient resources he or she will move out of this state.

However, prolonged states of flight are not a positive sign. It suggests that the nervous system is dysregulated. It is a certainty that the child in this case will be compromised in their ability to live up to their potential.

What's important to understand is that if regulation doesn't return to the nervous system, the dysregulation that gives rise to these fantasies can be carried into adulthood. For instance, some people never feel settled unless they're travelling or planning their next trip.

Similarly, some folks during times of high activation (i.e. crisis mode), will feel a compelling urge to take flight. Suddenly, leaving friends and family and living in a foregin country sounds appealing.

These frequent wanderers are inadvertently using travel as a way to regulate a dysregulated nervous system. This state, if left unchecked, may very possibly put them at risk for moving into dorsal.

The important thing to remember is that these "flight" ideas are being driven by the reptilian brain because of high activation in the nervous system.

Yet, there's hope.

It's not actually necessary to leave to feel better. One can be soothed by the thoughts and images that arise.

That's right, just use your imagination to take flight!

The take-home message is that flight fantasies are just that - fantastes. They are the normal reflections of a hyped up nervous system.

And the good news it that as you lower your activation, you'll find these "flight" fantasies will diminish.

Funny Kittens

Dr. LaCombe (aka "Dr. Shrinklady") has been showing people how to make deep emotional changes since 2006. She believes that the solution to our personal discontents is not found in thoughts alone but must include the balanced integration of mind, body and spirit. She created MyShrink.com as a safe harbour where you can learn how brain science can be used to enhance every aspect of your life.

How did you like this page?
-Please select one- Thanks Suzanne, that was helpful! Thanks Suzanne, but I didn't get all of it. Thanks Suzanne, something to talk about! Thanks Suzanne, but this is too far-fetched.

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